We can’t, but God can.
As humans, we often find our spiritual selves and our physical selves at odds with one another. Our physical selves really want ice cream every night for dessert. Our minds know it’s not good for us and can lead to obesity and eventually to diseases like diabetes. Our spiritual lives can suffer if we are constantly battling physical disease.
But, physical desires can be incredibly strong. Ask anyone who has tried to give up smoking. Ask and alcoholic who has tried to give up drinking.
There are many issues that face humanity that are close to impossible to handle with our physical will alone. Try forgiveness for something horrible that was done to you. Try forgiveness for a betrayal of some sort. How often have we heard it said, “I just couldn’t get past the lies told, the actions done, the infidelity, (you fill in the blank here.)”?
How often have we personally said things like, “I just couldn’t help myself,” when it comes to anything ranging from bad relationship choices, to impulse purchases, to having too much to drink at some get together?
Here’s the truth about humanity. “We can’t, but God can.” It seems so simple doesn’t it? It’s something I would highlight if I were reading it somewhere, but how often we forget.
Our physical bodies are weak. We can’t stop drinking, or stop smoking, or say no to dessert, or forgive the unforgivable, but God can. God has sent us the Holy Spirit to guide and help us. Yes, the Holy Spirit can physically help us. When we feel weak and that the right path is impossible, we can call out for help.
Jesus even acknowledged this when he told Peter, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41
When we pray and read the Bible, the Spirit gets energized. The impossible becomes impossible. Our faith, not our physical bodies can move mountains. “‘Have faith in God,’ Jesus answered. I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt it in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.” Mark 11:22-23
Our faith, not our bodies, can move those mountains which appear impossible for us to budge. This is the truth. The Bible says it is so. Whatever our physical weaknesses or struggles may be, no matter how big or small, we can choose to turn away from trying to conquer them physically. We can choose to turn towards the spiritual.
Because once we give it to God and we walk in His will, wearing His armor including the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we will win every time. All things are possible with God.
We simply have to acknowledge and embrace the spiritual. The choice is ours.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂